Théophile Nael claimed victory in the first-ever competitive race around the newly opened Madring circuit during Saturday’s Formula 3 Sprint Race.
The Campos Racing driver out-launched reverse grid polesitter James Wharton into Turn 1. Nael then established a significant advantage, exposing track layout dynamics that will interest F1 engineers currently analysing high stakes simulator gaps.
Madring Layout Exposes Overtaking Difficulties
Wheel-to-wheel battles through Turn 5 and Turn 17 demonstrated that off-line grip remains severely compromised. Clean overtaking proved exceptionally difficult without a substantial pace delta.
Track evolution across these sessions provides empirical data as premier class mechanics navigate a critical setup choice before their main event. DRS zone lengths and tyre degradation will prove decisive.
Nael controlled the pace to win by 8.9 seconds and secure the fastest lap. Speaking to the FIA Formula 3 official website, he said: “First victory of the weekend is for me. Super happy to take the first win around the Madring and another podium. The car was mega! I managed to have a really good start and then managed the tyres towards the end and also had the best lap of the race as well, so very happy.”
PREMA Racing teammates Wharton and Alex Powell completed the podium. Ugo Ugochukwu finished eighth, reducing Freddie Slater’s championship lead to 12 points.
The F3 grid returns for the first Feature Race later on Saturday.
